Think how great it would be if you had a job that made you want to skip into work every day. Sound crazy? It’s not. With several changes how you go about your job search, you will find the perfect job and be skipping to work in no time.
Searching for a job involves more than glancing over the local classifieds, sending a few resumes, and sitting back waiting for job offers to come flooding in. Looking for a job, is, well, a job.
For a successful job search, you need to set aside designated time each week. Ideally, spending 5 to 20 hours a week researching jobs, learning new skills, writing resumes and cover letters, and following up on interviews will give you the best chance of landing the job of your dreams.
“Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.”
– Katherine Whitehorn
1. Self Inventory
To start, write down a list of your traits, characteristics, skills, and interests. What do people say you are good at? What industry do you want to work in; education, medical, business, customer service, retail? Do you want to work outdoors, or work at a desk? Would you be willing to relocate or to commute 30 to 60 minutes each day?
What would get you up in the morning and excited to head off to work? What would you love to do every day? Really think about these questions and jot down some ideas like, “I love to work with computers.” or “I love to talk to people.” or “I prefer to work alone.”
Don’t know what you are good at or want to do? Check out these career tests to find your skill set.
- RIASEC – a theory of personality test that focuses on career and vocational choice.
- Career Key – this website gives you expert help with career changes, career planning, and job skills.
- Keirsey Temperament Sorter – the most widely used personality instrument in the world that helps individuals discover their personality type.
- Strong Interest Inventory – by comparing your interests to the interests of people who enjoy their jobs, you’ll likely find similar work enjoyable,
- Color Career Quiz – a career test based on color psychology and how color effects behavior.
Think about writing a personal mission statement that will define who you are, what you stand for, and help guide you on your career path. A personal mission statement will give you the direction you need to find your dream job.
While thinking about what you love to do, also consider what is most important to you.
- work / life balance
- compensation / money
- job security
- positive work culture
- interesting work
2. Review Social Media
One of the first things to do when looking for a job is to use a fine tooth comb to go through your Social Media accounts. When employers are looking at candidates for a job, many look online to gauge your social conduct, professionalism, and to confirm your qualifications. Google your name and see what’s out there potential employees will see. Delete any X-rated, incriminating, or questionable pictures or posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or your other Social Media accounts.
When posting on Social Media, never post negative or derogatory comments about your prior or current job or people you work with. Think about the people who were fired, or potentially not hired, because they made a “funny” comment or a grumpy post about a fellow employee or employer. They may not have been friends or following the person they posted or commented about however, it is guaranteed a negative comment or post will find its way back to who it was written about.
3. Research
Once you have narrowed down the industry that interests you, research companies and job fields within that industry. Become knowledgeable about the jobs that interest you and what these positions are looking for in their candidates.
- accountability / integrity
- reliability / strong work ethic
- self motivated / initiative
- work well with others / work well independently
- strong communication skills
- industry knowledge
- ability to see the global picture
If there is knowledge or skills in your chosen field you don’t have, now is the time to begin learning them. Look into courses at your local Community College or join the millions of people who are using the free online learning courses at Coursera, Khan Academy, and iTunes U.
4. Set Goals
Get started on your successful job search by creating goals each week for
- writing specific resumes and cover letters for each job
- networking in person, by phone, email, or on Social Media
- staying up to date on companies and industries that interest you by connecting to groups on LinkedIn, blogs, or online forums
- working on skills and knowledge you would like to improve
5. Job Search
- Talk with friends and family about your job search. You can include networking as well, however sometimes that can get sticky if you don’t want your current boss knowing you are searching for another job. You can network, though don’t make statements that you hate your current job and can’t wait to get a new one.
- Are there local businesses you would want to work for? Research these companies by checking websites and online company reviews. A great website for this type of information is Glassdoor. Glassdoor gives information about interviewing, salaries, and the reputation of many companies that interest you.
- See if a business you would like to work for has an employment page on their website. Many companies have an employment or career page that will list current or future job openings and how to apply.
- Use job boards to find job positions that interest you.
- Don’t rule out local newspapers, paper or online copy. There are businesses that list job openings only in the local paper to bring in local employment.
- Use Social Media such as LinkedIn and Facebook to research industries, jobs, and employment. When setting up your Social Media pages, always use a professional looking image and a complete professional profile. Hiring managers won’t be impressed by your rollicking college antics.
- Consider creating a new email address exclusively for your job search. You can easily set up a new email with Gmail, Yahoo, or AOL. Use this email exclusively for sending resumes, cover letters, and any correspondence you have in your job hunt. If you have a ton of spam in your everyday mail, an email account dedicated to your job search will make it easy not to miss the important email from a potential employer.
- When setting up your email, use a professional sounding email address when creating your account, not dreamjob@gmail or huntingforajob@yahoo. You want to be perceived as a professional right from initial contact. Consider using your name or a variation of your name such as johnsmith@gmail or jsmith1234@aol.
6. Engage Like-Minded Individuals
One of the best ways to engage and network with others within your industry is to share ideas by creating a blog or by commenting on other posts. When sharing ideas and commenting on other people’s posts, have insightful comments, ideas, and solutions, Don’t just say “Great post!” but share your knowledge to add value to their original post.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius
Looking for a job is draining and stressful. Remember to keep up good eating habits, exercise, and get enough sleep. These things may seem inconsequential and not related to job hunting, but they will keep your mind sharp, on task, and ready for the interview.
How did your job search go? Are there other avenues we haven’t discussed? Please comment so others will have the benefit of your experience.
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